Centre approves ₹93.94 crore plan to restore Punjab’s Maharaja Ajj Sarovar

The Union Ministry of Tourism has approved a ₹93.94 crore project to rejuvenate and redevelop the historic Maharaja Ajj Sarovar in Kharar, Punjab’s Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district. The project is intended to transform the site into a major heritage and tourism destination in Punjab. It has been approved under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, following consultations between the Punjab government and the Centre, The Hindu reported.

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria had pursued the proposal with the Union Ministry of Tourism after visiting the site earlier this year for the inauguration of a Ram temple on the Sarovar’s banks. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also supported the initiative and directed officials to prepare and submit a Detailed Project Report for consideration by the Ministry. The Sarovar covers approximately 133 kanals along the Kharar–Chandigarh National Highway.

Shashi Pal Jain, president of the Shri Ram Mandir Ajj Sarovar Vikas Committee, said the site is associated with Maharaja Ajj, regarded in Hindu tradition as the grandfather of Lord Rama. He described it as a religious, cultural and historical landmark. Mr.

Jain has led conservation and development efforts at the site for nearly four decades, with local residents, community organisations and public representatives also contributing to its preservation, according to the report. He said the project’s long-term success would depend on restoring water to the Sarovar. Rapid urbanisation in surrounding areas has affected the natural watershed that feeds the water body.

The supplied material does not provide a project timeline, list the planned works, or specify how the approved funds will be allocated.